Emigrating

Thank you, Mission Adelante!

Thank you, Mission Adelante!

by Ryan Galue

My name is Ryan Galue, and today I want to share about my journey with Mission Adelante, the U.S. resettlement agency. I am Venezuelan and have been living in Colombia for nearly five years, where I managed to obtain legal status. This legal status was crucial, as one of the main requirements for participating in the resettlement program is having legal residency in Colombia. After several interviews, medical exams, and cultural orientation sessions, I finally received the life-changing news—I had been accepted into the program and would soon be traveling to the United States.

That moment was filled with immense joy. Achieving something I had long dreamed of, and doing so through a legal process, was an incredible feeling. But soon after the excitement came the inevitable doubts. What would the process be like? How would I be received? How would I be treated? I was about to emigrate again, starting from scratch, but I always remembered it wouldn’t be my first time.

The day of my departure finally arrived. The agency in Colombia supported me with excellence, from the moment they picked me up at my home in Colombia until I arrived at the airport and eventually at my first destination. I had mixed feelings and felt a lot of anxiety, but the thought that I would now be in a better position to support my family helped me calm down. After my first flight, I boarded another plane to Kansas City, Kansas, which is where I currently live.

Upon arriving at the airport in Kansas, I was warmly welcomed by people from Mission Adelante. A group of women greeted me with so much kindness, filling me with joy and confidence, which helped ease my anxiety. Mission Adelante has been a pillar throughout this process, assisting me with everything from the moment I arrived. They’ve helped me obtain all the necessary legal documents, guided me through the medical process, assisted with food, and helped me find a welcoming place to live where I could feel at home.

One of the most emotional moments came when I moved into my current apartment and saw photos of my family—people I love and miss dearly. I hope that one day soon, I’ll be able to have them here with me. For this, I owe a massive thank you and blessings to Mission Adelante and their entire team. From the person who picked me up at the airport to the ones helping with all my paperwork, I wish them all the best and hope that God continues to guide and support their excellent work.

P.S. As a proud Venezuelan from Maracaibo, I showed my gratitude by making empanadas for the staff at Mission Adelante—and now, they LOVE them! 🙂

Be part of our programs!

We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?

How can you help?

  • Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

  • Volunteer – Come to Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

  • Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.

The Journey of Emigrating: My Personal Transformation

the inner Journey of Emigrating: My Personal Transformation

by Yanelis Lopez, CMA Director


Emigrating to another country has been one of the most profound and transformative experiences of my life. This journey has not only involved a change of residence but also an inner voyage that has led me to discover new facets of myself and even reevaluate my identity. It has been a process filled with challenges and revelations that have made me someone different. Because, of course, emigrating changes you and transforms your soul; in my case, it has been a liberating journey.

Leaving my homeland, my family, and friends was an extremely difficult decision. I vividly remember the day I packed my belongings, leaving behind everything that had previously come naturally to me to embark on the unknown. However, this detachment also led me to deeply value my roots and understand the importance of the connections I left behind.

Upon arriving in the US, I began to hear the word resilience very frequently... and it became a word that resonated deeply with me, describing the aftermath of the profound change faced by those who emigrate. Arriving in a new country was like starting from scratch. Learning a new language, adapting to different customs and social norms, and finding my place in a foreign community were challenges that tested my resilience. There were moments of frustration and loneliness, but each obstacle overcome taught me to be more flexible and to face the unknown courageously. Resilience became a constant companion on this journey.

As I navigated through these challenges, I began to discover internal strengths that I was unaware of. The ability to creatively solve problems, the courage to confront the unknown, and the perseverance to move forward despite obstacles were revealed and strengthened during this process. These experiences boosted my self-esteem and made me aware of my ability to adapt and thrive in adverse circumstances.

Emigrating allowed me to reconstruct and redefine my identity. Interacting with a new culture and integrating aspects of it with my own heritage led me to create a hybrid identity. This new perspective enriched my worldview and allowed me to appreciate cultural diversity in a deeper way. I became a more complex and complete version of myself.

Seeking belonging in a new community was an essential part of my migration experience. Building meaningful relationships and finding a sense of community was not easy, but each connection I made offered me support and a sense of home in my new environment. The support from my new friends helped me establish a stable emotional foundation in my new life.

Migration also led me to deeper reflection on my purpose in life and my faith. The challenges and distance from the familiar prompted me to seek deeper comfort and guidance in Jesus. He became an even more constant source of strength and hope during difficult times, providing me with a solid foundation on which to build my new life.

Emigrating has been an inward journey full of self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth. Not only did I rebuild my life in a new country, but I also rebuilt myself. Emigrating has transformed me, and I am deeply grateful.

Help Our Refugee Families

Your impact is huge for our refugee families! Currently, we are in need of:

  • Toys that are clean and in good shape for kids under the age of 3

  • Hygiene kits

  • Vacuums

You can also volunteer to help with administrative tasks like creating client files and notebooks and other resources.

For more information on how to be a part of this effort, contact our Reception and Placement Director, Amy Herman, at randpdirector@missionadelante.org.

Be part of our programs!

We are so excited for everything that is happening in our programs and we are grateful for all our volunteers who make everything possible. Would you consider partnering with us next trimester?

How can you help?

  • Pray for our program participants would create an impact in our community and grow with their walk with the Lord.

  • Volunteer – Come to Observation Nights. For more information visit: http://www.missionadelante.org/serve

  • Donate to join us in building a multicultural community of disciples making disciples.